East Ayrshire
Locator map for the Scottish administrative region of East Ayrshire.
Unitary authority in southwest Scotland, created in 1996 from two districts of Strathclyde region.
Area
1,269 sq km/490 sq mi
Towns
Kilmarnock (administrative headquarters), Cumnock, Stewarton, Galston, Crosshouse
Physical
predominantly low-lying and undulating in the north, mountainous toward the south; Loch Doon; rivers Ayr, Irvine; Blackcraig Hill (700 m/2,298 ft); Loudoun Hill
Features
Burns' House Museum, Mauchline; Loudoun Castle Theme Park; Dunaskin Heritage Museum
Agriculture
dairy farming, sheep, beef cattle
Industries
textiles, light engineering, food and drink, printing
Population
(2001) 120,200
History at Loudoun Hill, Robert the Bruce defeated 6,000 of the Earl of Pembroke's men with a force of 600 in 1306 |
Economy Agriculture is an important industry in a predominantly rural area. The area's serious economic problems are particularly evident in the many rural towns which have lost their traditional industrial base of mining or textile production. |
Environment There are several Sites of Special Scientific Interest and one country park. |
Administrative history The districts of Cumnock and Doon Valley, and Kilmarnock and Loudoun were merged to form East Ayrshire in 1996. Prior to 1975, this area was part of the county of Ayrshire. |
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